Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Running Allergy Attack please help

I have had alergy shots for a little over 2 years now and I started running about 3 months ago.  My running caused my allergy symptoms to increase but it was very mild and for a short time until about 2 weeks ago.

2 weeks ago my allergy vaccine was renewed and it is much stronger than my expired vaccine.  Now whenever I run I get an allergy fit of sneezing for about 10 minutes after I run.

Then I get a sharp stinging feeling in my upper right nostril that constantly causes me to sneeze.  I have this feeling for 2-3 days and I can't stand it anymore.  I have another 2 weeks before I go into get my next shot so I'm asking for advice here.  I love running but I can't stand having to constantly sneeze for at least two DAYS after I run.  

By the way those 2-3 days the symptoms persist are 2-3 days not running.

Thank you so much for any help.
24 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Okay, I've read all of these as I have been desperately searching for answers. Here is my story and the best solution I have found thus far:

I'm a 26-year-old female and I've been a competitive athlete my whole life--soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, cross country, tennis, etc. I have no kids. The first time I experienced this was summer of 2016. Since high school, I have had periods where I have run 3-8 miles 3-5 days a week to get back in shape and then take time off running (because I'm not the biggest fan)--typically on for about 3-6 months and then off for nearly a year. I've always played intramural soccer or played in a company league, so I've stayed in shape that way.

Side note: I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2010 and had the surgery to fix it in December 2011. I'm not sure if this is related, but I was told for the very first time in 2016 that I have a deviated septum.

I started one of my running spurts in April 2014 and ran until I endured a soccer injury in September. I then tore my MCL in April 2015 playing soccer. I ran some in the fall/winter of 2015. I, unfortunately, tore my MCL again in July of 2016, but healed in 6 weeks as opposed to the prior year's 6 month recovery. I started running again in August of 2016 and that's when I noticed the exercise induced rhinitis (EIR).

I've never had allergies until I was recently tested. The allergies (aside from mold and dust mites) that showed up on the test were borderline (barely under the control reaction) and my doctor said they technically weren't allergies, but could cause issues. I believe I had just one or two possible trees that gave me some trouble. Oddly, I found that running in my neighborhood resulted in taking three days off work and going through all the tissue boxes in the house (even after showering immediately and doing saline rinses), but running 6 miles further south in the city did not cause the same reaction.

Side note: I started having severe stomach pains around mid 2015 that started about an hour after running (7-8 pm) and had me in the fetal position in tears (I have a very high pain tolerance and didn't cry ether time I tore my MCL) until about 3 am. After about 5-10 times of this, I stopped running that year. I've seen allergists, GI specialists, etc. and all to no avail. One GI specialist mentioned histamines, but I have been on allergy pills daily for a year or two now and even taking a Claritin ready tab right before and after running did nothing for the pain.

I am now on a prescription antihistamine, but it does not phase the EIR. However, after reading many blogs and articles about this issue, I came across an article that mentioned OLOPATADINE NASAL SPRAY and I remembered that I have that for postnasal drip (though it doesn't seem to help the postnasal drip at all). After trying many different prescriptions for postnasal drip, my doctor concluded that I have non-allergic rhinitis. Desperate after running today, I figured I would give it a try and, though I still feel weak and not 100%, I will gladly share that this nasal spray made the misery BEARABLE for me! It's just a start, and I am thinking of finding the best ENT in the city, but I feel more functional than usual and don't feel like I will need three days off work! Amazingly, although I still had stomach pain tonight, I am not doubled over in tears from the stomach pain. I'm not sure what is causing the histamine troubles, but the Olopatadine seems to be doing SOMETHING to help with BOTH the EIR and the crippling stomach pain. I also did THREE saline rinses (using three packets in the third rinse) after showering the minute I walked in the door. Additionally, I put some Eucalyptus essential oils on a cloth that I soaked in hot water and rang out and rang out prior to covering my face and inhaling the steam. I diffused eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon oils as well. Additionally, I drank some peppermint tea. I honestly think the only solution that worked was the Olopatadine nasal spray.

I will also point out that I don't believe I have had the EIR indoors--possibly due to two separate sets of doors to the workout room (so the outside doors do not lead directly into the workout room). I'm not sure what is causing all of this. I'm going to try running indoors (which I hate even more than running outdoors) since running seems to be the only activity that helps me lose weight ever since I turned 25.

I know this was lengthy, but wanted to share everything in case there is some common denominator among us. I never saw that anyone posted after trying the nasal spray mentioned earlier, so I wanted to share the best thing I have found thus far. In short, ask your doctor for Olapatadine nasal spray; hopefully it's a step in the right direction.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Im also experiencing the same thing and this makes my life like hell. Been taking allergex 30 min before jogging but the same thing will happen once im done and will take one after jogging. it doesn't help at all and the sneezing and running nose will go for a week as if I have a cold. I truly need help, I don't know what to do anymore. I stay in Johannesburg South Africa
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I have these exact symptoms just in one nostril and one eye that waters like crazy after a run. I started covering my nose with a headband when I went for a run. I leave it open a bit under my nose so I can breathe but I breathe through my mouth anyway when I really get going. The headband seems to keep my nose warm and also, perhaps more importantly, warms the air that enters my nose and I guess because some of my exhalation gets caught in the headband area, there is more moisture in the air that enters my nose. I think it helps to filter allergens as well.  I admit I look odd out there running with a strip of material around my face but it works like a charm. I hope this helps somebody.
Avatar universal
I too, had a baby 3 years ago, and only recently started running again.  No matter when or where - indoors, outdoors, fall or winter - I would sneeze violently for 2 days after each run.  I am so relieved to find out I am not alone, but a bit perplexed why this is happening to so many women.  I love running and I need to lose weight so I tried everything - zicam, decongestants, running at night, running in the morning - nothing worked until I kinda stumbled onto something pretty simple and so far it is working.  

After every run, I rinse off immediately, and sit in the steam room for at least 10min or more.  If  I can stay in the steam room for 15 minutes or more, I have noticed that the tingling in my nose goes away and I do not sneeze at all.  So now after every run I head to the steam room.   I hope this helps...
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello!  I know its been 2 years since  you posted this, but I was wondering if  you could let me know if you found something that works for you.  From one runner to another....thank you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh man!  I am so relieved to know I am not alone!  I am a 33 yr old female and have been an athlete my whole life and until about 2 years ago, I had never had anything like this happen.  I've never suffered from ANY type of allergy.  And then BAM!  hit me like a ton of bricks.  I swear, same symptoms as everyone else.  Awful itchy nose that felt like ants were crawling around in my sinuses...it was so bad.  I was so crabby and miserable.  I was "out of order" for about 2-3 days, which is not good because I am a mother of 3 and an avid RUNNER.  So far it has only happened when I run outdoors.  Most recent attack was this past Saturday after my Rock n Roll 5K.  I hit a PR and couldn't even enjoy the moment because of the sneezing and itchy nose afterwards.  Neti-pot did nothing for it, Claritin couldn't touch it and until I found you guys I thought I was losing my mind.  I ditched the claritin and began taking Flonase, which has helped a lot so far but then again....I haven't tried to run outside since this past Saturday.  I have ran on the treadmill twice, each without incident. (thank goodness) but I am terrified to run outside again.  There has got to be an answer, right?  I mean, why is this happening to all of us all of the sudden?  It seems that you all are much like me....with no previous history of this.  I don't understand.  I will ask my doctor about Astrepro....
And again, thank you all for making me feel like I am not alone.  :)  If anyone finds anything out, please let the rest of us know!  I will do the same.  Good luck everyone and happy running!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I stopped running a few weeks ago because of the exact symptoms.  I have experienced this issue now for almost a year, off and on.  I am currently training for a half marathon and I'm saddened that I had to stop. I was diagnosed with Exercise Induced Rhinitis and was prescribed a few meds that didn't work.  I also have tried probably every over the counter med with no results.  

A big thank you to coppertop for sharing their success story.  I will be calling my physician to request a perscription for Astrepro. I will follow up with the group soon to share my experience.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Experiencing the same issues,  so sick of it.  Will try the astrepro, interested in what fix if any the rest of you have found.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am in the same boat. One nostril feels like a hair is in it. Runny nose symptoms... The works as with the rest of the commenters.  I run moderately as my profession requires quartlerly fitness tests. Sometimes I go one month without running cause I am the worlds worst at running when it's cold out. But when I crank it back up I get these symptoms. Literally hours of side splitting sneezing and running nose. When the initial sneezing wears off...  My nose is so irritated I can not even hold a simple conversation.  Pure Misery.  But I HAVE to run the next day. And the next...  So I run and shut everyone around me out so I can suffer in silence.  After a few days of h-e double hockey sticks it starts to clear up. Then one day I am normal again. I know when I take my time off of running I will have to deal with this. It makes me sick to think I can be so lazy to accept this misery just for not running in bad weather... But it passes. Also, when I am in full on symptoms, I can run just fine. It's almost like when I am running I am well. So the hr runs deliver some relief. In short... If I get lazy I pay the price. If I keep my routine I am fine. I see that is not the case for most of you out there. Seems to be so random. No meds have EVER fixed the issue. No Neti pot treatment. No Vicks packing. Nothing but time and apologies to the Man for my laziness. Lol.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am soo glad I found this!  This has happened to me only 2 times.  But it completely ruins and consumes your day!  Both times it happened in the winter right when spin class ended.  I had all the same symptoms as you all.

I tried my son's allergy nasal spray- Dymista.  It worked right away!  I am going for an ENT appointment next week, so stay tuned for my results!.

-T
Helpful - 0
10990114 tn?1414380649
Today was the first time I have ever had such horrible burning sinuses, and sneezing non-stop after a run.  I was fine before I ran, but here I am out in the country in Illinois and they're still trying to finish up harvesting.  Which leads me to believe this has everything to do with GMO crops.  Why would we all have this issue come out of nowhere and wreak such havoc?  Really ask yourselves that question.  And think.  And no medication is helping.  I'm sure it's all the dust from the corn and beans. We had not one single apple, pear or peach on our trees this year, and tons last year.  What is going on?  I don't get allergies.  I'm 46 yrs old.  Sneezing, and running nose is a natural way for your body to GET RID of something that is irritating it!  Guess I'm going to wait it out.  Maybe we should get respirators to workout outside now??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just read all above comments and am dealing with the same.  I am curious if any of the females started having these symptoms after pregnancy?  I have jogged/ran outside since I was 23, I am now 33 and began having the mentioned symptoms 9 months after having my son and beginning my running routine again. I never have issues when outdoors and not exercising. I am currently taking Zyrtec D and it helped the first day a month ago, and now I am back to the same issues.
Just wondering. I will most likely be seeing my DR this week to find out what can be done. Glad to have found this feed.  Also, anyone else found the Astrepro to be of help?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank You coppertop1027 for the information about Astrepro!!!! I am a 40 year old female and I have been running consistently since I was 15. I married my husband in 2001 and since, we have completed countless 1/2 and full marathons together, trained and participated in a number of sprint, olympic and 1/2 Ironmans and eventually a full Ironman. 15 years of intense exercise (mostly running) and no issues until last last year (Christmas Eve) when I went for a 6 mile run and right after (as I was stretching/cooling down) I got a crazy tickle up the left side of my nose and sneezed violently for an hour or so and then was consumed with sinus infection symptoms for about 3 days. This is how the majority of them have begun with the tickle up my nose, favoring a different side of my nose each time. It has been almost a year since my first attack and I have had 13 attacks since after running only. I also do spin and boot camp but these attacks only occurred after running. In the last 2 months there were 5. Most lasted 3 days (just as you all posted) but early during the month of November, I had an attack after a run and never quite got better, went to the doctor (finally) was put on a 10-day antibiotic (had been put on Z-Pack before as well) where I didn't even start to feel better until the last day of the antibiotic which was Thanksgiving only to go for a short run a few days after and again have an attack. This all lasted 22 days. Probably had something else going on as my infection got so bad my top front teeth hurt and my gums itched...I was miserable! I really think that I possibly made my symptoms worse as I have learned that you CAN make it worse by taking the wrong medications and too much of them at the same time. After doing a LOT of research and then speaking to a client friend (who has since set me an appointment with an ENT) who suggested a more preventative form of treatment until I could be seen, I tossed everything I had been using and began a regime of Zyrtec and NasalCrom. I have had a few attacks since I started this regimen 2 weeks ago but the initial attacks have not nearly been as bad and the duration of the symptoms thereafter were far less painful. I am very curious as to why this has started to happen to me out of nowhere. The time and place has no favoritism. I have had an attack while running outside in the winter cold air, in damp air, in mid summer, indoors on a treadmill and even in other states and out of the country....I am baffled and only hope that when I finally get in to see the ENT, that she is able to help me understand what is behind this issue that has hindered my favorite (and sometimes only) outlet of stress relief and form of exercise. So crazy to find so many of you have the same issue!!! Good luck everyone and I will be sure to post again after my appointment and hope to offer more helpful advise. I will also add that (for me) using the neti pot only further irritated my nasal cavity. Blowing your nose can also make matters worse. During one of my attacks a few weeks ago, when I decided to toss everything and just let my body do what it needed to do, I just let my nose run. I went through 2 mega rolls of TP in 4 hours but I just let it run. At one point, I stuffed my nostrils with TP (my kids looked at me like I was nuts) but life doesn't stop when you are on the move :-) I kept my lips and the outer skin of my nose lubricated as the constant tissue rubbing makes your nose raw and breathing out of your mouth because breathing in and out of your nose during this time is so painful, your lips get so dry. Humidifiers are helpful while you sleep during these times and there IS a water soluble form of Vaseline that is safe for you to use both on the outside of your nose as well as inside of your nasal cavity (applied with a Q-tip) before a run (especially in cold air). Just a few tips that have helped me cope throughout this ordeal :-) I abstained from running a lot over the the months Sept-Dec but found that my current regime has helped dramatically. I ran 8 miles this morning in the cold damp air and did NOT have an attack. If not for the fact that my husband and I are participating in Ragnar~Miami to Key West this Feb with 10 friends, I might not be so willing to risk a run that, for the past year, has made me so miserable afterwards but we carry on :-) Good Luck everyone!! Thanks for all the advise, I will be asking my specialist about Astrepro and hope to continue on a path of symptom free exercise. Happy Running!!!!

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank goodness I found this.  Have exercised my whole life indoors and out and never experienced this until last month.  It took a while for me to figure out this only happens when I run outside in the cold.  Benadryl helps but makes me very sleepy during the day.  Or I'll just suffer with the blowing and burning sensation until bedtime when I can take the Benadryl.  Will call my doctor on Monday to get a nasal spray.  I was truly ready to give up running outside so thank you coppertop.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello!  I started running this week and both times after running I experienced the same symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose and runny nose.  I am so thankful I found this article!  I want to continue running so I need to find relief.  Anyone who has found relief and wants to help me out with letting me know, I would really appreciate it.  Thank you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
All- I have just started getting these symptoms.  It's ridiculous.  I would sneeze about 100 times after a nighttime run before going to sleep with a running nose.  I told my wife to stop saying "god bless you" because I would not stop.  I'm going to ask about Astepro and really hope it works.  Thanks for the lead.  Has anyone here had success with over the counter nasal sprays??
Helpful - 0
1355118 tn?1298564879
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, it typically suggests allergic rhinitis which is exaggerated or precipitated during cold season or timing. This condition is sometimes associated with asthma.  

The triggering factors like dust, fog, pollens etc. can cause the precipitation of these symptoms. From your history it is clear that you may be allergic to pollen. During running, you may be exposed to such allergens. Change of place can help.

A careful nasal examination, Allergen-specific testing includes Skin testing, Serum tests for allergy, Allergen challenge and as well as Evaluation for concurrent conditions like Sinusitis and Asthma is necessary and it directs further steps for management.
You need to take measures to avoid exposure to such allergens. You can try sleeping with windows closed, which will avoid exposure to aero-allergen in the morning.

It should be differentiated from vasomotor rhinitis and Atrophic rhinitis for which consult ENT specialist. Take care and regards.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the exact same symptoms.  It started out in the winter months when I ran and now it's all the time!  I also had the attack in the gym which made no sense to me.  I try to hold in that first sneeze because I know what's coming for the next few days, which btw never worked. Again, like the rest of you, no allergy medicine can touch the symptoms.  I truly THANK Coppertop for the diagnosis and cure.  Do I have to go to the doctor to get a prescription or can I get it over the counter from the pharmacy?  I want to go today!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
WOWWW I can't believe I found you guys with the same problems. I have been running and exercising constantly for about 3 years now, but I stopped for about 4-5 months. I wasn't as intense in my running and workouts. I have no problem running at the gym. When I run at a high intensity in the park I get them. But this never happened to me before. I was always running outside in all of the 4 seasons. Now after I finish running outside the same symptoms happen. I went to the doctor last week and he gave my a nasal spray, but it is not working. I don't know what to do. Oh btw I can walk or cycle outside and I don’t get it. I live in Texas.
Helpful - 0
1198942 tn?1265228650
We have exercise induced rhinitis. Some people produce to much histamine when they exercise ( this only happens to me after a intense workout). I tried allergra, benadryl, claritin ect.. nothing worked. I finally saw a allergist yesterday and was given some samples to try. Guess what? I found my cure!! I just got done w/a 4 mile run and the allergy symptoms began. The sneezing and runny nose can last up to 3 days! My allergist gave me a sample of "Astrepro" nasal spray and it made the symptoms stop in about 5 mins after taking it! Give it a try, maybe it will be your cure as well. I am jumping for joy and wanted to share my find :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I can't believe I found this posting on here, I have the exact same symptoms.  After I run in cold weather I get home and sneeze non-stop for hours.  My left nostril has this painful, tickling sensation that causes it to drip like a faucet and makes me sneeze.  It almost feels like there is something stuck up there irritating it.  I have tried rinsing my sinuses out after a run using a saline aerosol, but it doesn't help.  If this many people are afflicted with this exact same problem, there must be some sort of explanation and/or treatment.  Do you live in an urban area?  I live in NYC and thought perhaps it was caused by running along busy roads and breathing in car fumes and dust.  If any doctor is reading this, please help!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same thing and thought I was the only one! It started years ago and was only in the winter after running, so I stopped running in the winter...but now it happens in the spring and fall too. It even happens randomly at the gym sometimes. Its awful because after the sneezing fit I feel like I have a severe head cold with an annoying tickle in my nose for the rest of the day and it really impairs my life. Isn't there anything we can do? sometimes I take zyrtec the night before I am planning on running but it doesn't always work.

Help! I really don't want to curb my exercise during 3 out of 4 seasons.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have also experienced the exact same thing as you maranero! I thought I was the only one until now. I had some allergies when i lived in New England, but when I moved to D.C. I had my first experience with these symptoms when I ran outside in the spring. I was literally bed ridden for 2 days they were so bad. It wasn't until after I stopped running that I just couldn't stop sneezing, my right nostril felt like it was pricked with a pollen needle and my right eye also started to swell a little. Then my nose ran like a faucet for 3 days no matter what decongestent I used. I went to an allergy specialist and he couldn't tell me what it was and suggested I start getting allergy shots- horrible doctor. I assumed it was allergy related and decided not to run outside anymore-however sometimes it woudl happen in the gym as well (there are doors tha tlead outside in the gym so it's possible someone had the doors open. Anyway, now it's December and I had another attack in the gym.....maybe it's another allergy- d.c. tends to make me live with allergies year round. Please post if you find out anything about this- I'm miserable too....and can't go running anymore :(
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
tw1
I have never really experienced allergies until about 2 years and even then, they were very mild and i would only feel them once or twice a year.  2 weeks ago i started running again for the first time in probably 3 years and 1 week into it, I have got the same symptoms you do.  
The only difference is that I have never had sever allergy symptoms before.  About 10 minutes after my run, my nose feels like a needle has been shoved up into my right nostil and i sneeze like crazy and it also lasts for 2 to 3 days.  I went to the doctor the first time it happened and she told me it was a sinus infection and gave me a z-pack.  I went running again today, 4 days after visiting the doctor, and i am once again in misery.  
Let me know if you find out how to prevent this or what it might be.   Thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
By the way,

I've tried meds including benedryl, clariten, anf allegra-D.  None of them have worked.
Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Allergy Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Find out if your city is a top "allergy capital."
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
If you’re one of the 35 million Americans who suffer from hay fever, read on for what plants are to blame, where to find them and how to get relief.
Allergist Dr. Lily Pien answers Medhelp users' most pressing allergy-related questions
When you start sniffling and sneezing, you know spring has sprung. Check out these four natural remedies to nix spring allergies.